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May 1989             Issue 19

Good morning missus and masters, I wish you a happy day I've brought you around a garland, because its the first of May. These are a few of the opening lines of a May Day song that was sung in the village years ago, these small village May Day traditions have gradually died out, particularly those in the villages on the outskirts of Oxford, probably due to being overshadowed by the major May celebrations held in the city which are known worldwide.

Our village May Day survived into the twenties. Among my collections of photographs is a faded sepia picture, showing a May Day group standing in front of the Fox public house. This picture taken in the mid twenties shows them holding a traditional May garland full of wild Spring flowers, Thinking about this, I wonder where now, we would find enough wild flowers to make such a display today. Buttercups, Cuckoos (lady smocks), Water Flops( King Cups), Cow Parsley (known as weeds in some parts). These grew in profusion in the damp meadows, particularly along the brook which lay as a bog all the year through. At one time in May a May King and Queen were elected. Another traditional May event, was 29th May,'Shick Shack' day or 'Oak Apple' day, where all wore a sprig of Oak leaves in the button hole, if remember correctly these were worn only until midday. Anyone found wearing them after this time were stung with stinging nettles. Both the above - events were the preserve of children, with adults as onlookers, for with poet Reginald Arkell Alas those Jolly days have gone Fled are our dreams of Babylon. Romance moves slowly from the stage into the wings of middle age, And people do not walk to Rome, when they have bills to pay at home. KINGCUP. [Kingcup - more info] Deadline for articles for next month is 6pm, the 18th of this month. To xx Henley Road Sandford. Thankyou

CHURCH NEWS Priest-in-charge: Rev. Robert Morgan. xxx Iffley Rd. Tel Ox xxxxxx.

The 'Easter Vestry' was held at 11.15am on 2nd April 1989. Mr Jones was re-elected Vicars warden and Mrs Harris Peoples Warden. New blood was welcomed onto the council. The treasurers report was received, having been audited by the Hon Auditor, Mr Kissack. News was given that the Diocese has approved the plans for improving the heating and lighting and that these were now with the lawyers, as required by law. Some further fund raising would be necessary, but the building estimates had been revised downward thanks to voluntary work done by Mr D Harris and his team of helpers.

Hopes of extending the graveyard were also outlined. Thanks were given to the wardens, the Sexton Sacristan (Mr Pitson) The organist (Mr Martin Pitson) and Choir. The secretary (Miss Ford), Treasurer (Mrs Cook), and auditor and all who helped with the cleaning, washing linen and with flowers which had been a notable feature over Easter and at the very, impressive flower festival last Summer and augured well for June 24th 1989. The intention was reiterated of seeking out the Friends of St Andrews and the meeting closed with prayer.

SERVICES IN MAY 4th MAY ASCENSION DAY 7.30pm Holy Communion 7th MAY 10am Family Communion with Holy Baptism 6.30pm Evensong 14th MAY WHITSUNDAY 10am Festal Eucharist 6.30pm Evensong 21st MAY TRINITY SUNDAY 10.00am Sung Eucharist 6.30 pm Evensong 28th MAY 10am Sung Eucharist 6.30pm Evensong

ADVANCE NOTICES SANDFORD MEETING POINT Friday 9th May 12.30 2pm All invited to drop in for cheap meal, drinks, social contacts. Bring the children. BIBLE STUDY AND DISCUSSION GROUPS Enquiries. Tel xxxxxx. 23rd - 25th June FLOWER FESTIVAL at St Andrews. All welcome. Invite your friends. Note dates. 24t June SUMMER FETE Offers of help, contact Mrs Harris, xx Henley Rd and please give generously. RELIGION AND POLITICS The parish is lobbying for better bus services and for a clinic in the village. Support invited.

SANDFORD AND LITTLEMORE BEAT Vehicles are still being stolen and broken into in abundance. Please secure your cars, remembering to remove all valuables when left unattended, Perhaps you may like to consider a car alarm. BE AWARE I'm sure you've all seen or heard of chain letters, they are often distressing and usually costly should you decide to join the chain. An Innocent looking advert has been circulated by 'Castle Products' 38 Hurdsfield Rd, Macciesfield. This advert suggests that simply by addressing envelopes, a person will receive 25p per envelope addressed. The crunch is, that to join the scheme you send in £20 registration fee and when you have addressed 500 envelopes you are reimbursed that fee plus monies for the envelopes, BUT as each envelope you address must also include the addressee's agreement to enrol in this scheme together with their £20 fee, clearly you would never be able to complete the agreement and would loose your £20 registration. Needless to say this is a clever way of selling a registration and Castle Products are making a lot of money for selling nothing. Please be warned. Many elderly people and housewives have been taken in by this scheme, Should you know of anyone who has already enquired into this and would like advice, they can phone the Oxford Trading Standards Office on 0865 815626, P.C. REYNOLDS Community Policeman

HELP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES Learning by 'bitter experience' is usually painful and can often be disastrous for business owners. With greater knowledge many difficulties can often be avoided. The Training Agency has sponsored a Private Enterprise Programme. (PEP) to help business owners. PEP is a series of one day seminars, each covering an area such as Taxation, Marketing, Basic Accounting and Employment. There is a small charge of £35 a day, but the seminars are FREE to firms in their first year of trading. The next series of seminars will be run in June. If you are interested in attending any of these contact the management unit, Oxford College of Further Education, Cricket Road, Oxford. OX4. 3DW. Telephone (0865) 716171.

EASTER DRAW WINNERS M. Morgan 1192 Hamper C. Simmonds 0096 Turkey Nash 1633 Fruit Marcella 1572 Sherry J.Vircas 0474 Vine Nash 1539 Biscuits R.Hutton 1542 Easter Egg I.Daniels 1855 Easter Egg Sally 2439 Easter Egg J.Legg 1933 Easter Egg S. Hutton 1409 Easter Egg J.Williarns 1807 Easter Egg G.Carter 1025 Easter Egg Vircas 0395 Easter Egg D.Phillips 1803 Easter Egg XYZc/o Fox   1994 Easter Egg Thomas 1189 Easter Egg THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT Village Hall Committee

MY FAVOURITE RUM CAKE MIX FROM THE USA Before you start, check your rum and make sure of the quality. Select a large mixing bowl and measuring cup, etc. Check the rum again for quality. It must be just right, with an electric beater, beat 1 cup butter in a large fluffy bowl and add 1 tsp sugar and test the rum again. Add 2 large eggs, add 2 cups dried fruit and beat berry well. If fruit gats stuc in the beater, pry it out with a screwdriver. Sample the rum again for consistency. Next beat in 3 cup baking soda, add one pink of rum, 1 tsp. toda no I mean Balcum Powder add 1 cup pepper or 1 lump salt. Taste the rum again twice more to varify its the right liquid. WOW!! Sift in pt lemon juice. Fold in the chopped buttermilk and add the strained nuts. Sample the rum once more. Add 1 babblespoon brown sugar or whatever colour you have on hand. Mix well greased oven and turn on cake pan to 500 degrees. Pour whole mixture into oven - add paper in case it spills. Now where did I put the mixture oh well, on second thoughts or even third and fourth, forget the cake. Check rum again and go to bed.

Many thanks to all who contributed generously to the recent Childrens Society collection. The total collected in the village was £102.43. Mavis Shepherd Rock Farm Lane 50 - 50 AUCTION Date not yet arranged so please look out all your unwanted items. Furniture, tools, bric-a-brac, pictures, carpets, bicycles ,etc. Everything sells anything at all. Phone Hazel Hutton on Oxford xxxxxx (evenings)

"PAUSE FOR THOUGHT" APRIL

INDOOR/OUTDOOR TABLE TOP SALE SANDFORD VILLAGE HALL SUNDAY MAY 14th 10am - 2pm BOOKINGS OXFORD xxxxxx

Present
Mrs J Rolston (Chairman), Mrs J Shepherd (Vice-Chairman), Mrs G Ashburner, Mrs H Hutton, Hr H Leary, Mr H Norton (arrived after the meeting had started), Mr A Robinson, Mr I Stevenson (County Councillor).

The Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved by the Council. 5 votes in favour, 1 against (Mr Robinson).

Matters Arising

Courages Sign. The Clerk reported that she had prepared a draft letter to Courages but would like to confirm that the Council would wish the rent to be reviewed every five years. The Council confirmed that the rent should be £100.00 reviewed every five years. 6 votes in favour. Proposed by Mrs Shepherd.

Elmslea Wall. Mr Stevenson said that he had spoken to Social Services and that they would take the matter up with the owners at the next inspection of the Nursing Home.

Trenching. Mr Robinson asked how much money had the Council received towards the trenching and landscaping of the area used by the gypsies on the A423. The Clerk replied that she would bring the figures to the next PC Meeting.

Correspondence

OCC - Proposed Alterations to Minerals Policies. Noted. Mr Stevenson reported that this part of the County was worked out. The Clerk was asked to acquire a copy of the report.

Matters for Consideration

General

Parish Transport Representative's Scheme. Mrs Shepherd and Mrs Ashburner to attend.

Questionnaire on Bus Stops and Bus Stop Timetables. Questionnaire completed.

Play-Safe Surface Systems for Play Areas. The Council discussed the provision of play safe surfaces under the equipment in the recreation field. The Clerk was asked to acquire estimates for the various types of surface available. Mr Stevenson said that there were grants available for playground equipment from the National Playing Fields Association and also some County and District grants. The Clerk was also asked to check on the date of the next inspection.

Litter Bins. The supply of litters bins in the recreation field and on the Wharf was discussed and the Clerk was asked to get prices and literature.

Wharf - Moorings. The Clerk read out a letter fro. Mrs Agulnik advising that the Council go ahead and rent out the moorings on the Wharf. The Clerk was asked to contact the three interested parties accordingly. Mr Wellstood's proposals were discussed and it was agreed that he should be offered one year's free mooring in lieu of work carried out to the cut. Proposed by Mrs Ashburner, seconded by Mrs Shepherd. 6 votes in favour.

Applications:
P88/W097/0 Land adjacent to Mill House - Erection of house and garage. No objection. 7 votes in favour.
P86/W0079 Land and buildings forming Mill House - Access, garaging. No objection. 7 votes in favour.

Permissions:
P88/W0902 The Catherine Wheel Alterations and P88/W0903/LB Extension. Noted.

Appl. Withdrawn P88/W0935/0 Science Park. Magdalen College submitted two applications. One has been withdrawn on the approval of the other. Noted.

Income & Expenditure

Income	£	Expenditure	£
	0.00	STVHF - Hire of hall	50.00
		British Telecom	24.44
		ORCC (Best Kept Village)	6.00

Proposed by Mrs Ashburner Seconded by Mrs Shepherd

Any Other Business

Community Policeman's Report. There was no report as PC Reynolds was on duty.

LINK - Items for Discussion. No items for discussion.

Village Hall. The Clerk gave details of the Council's responsibility in respect of the running of the Village Hall. Mrs Shepherd referred to an article in Grapevine and wondered whether the Village Hall would be eligible for charitable relief on the rates and VAT refund on expenditure. The Clerk was asked to follow this up. It was suggested that the Grapevine magazine be passed on to the Village Hall Committee as it often contained information on the running of village halls, etc.

Painting. The Clerk was asked to write to Sandra Bowyer thanking her for the lovely painting of the village.

Minutes. The Clerk said that she would like to circulate the Minutes prior to the next meeting as an experiment and asked that Councillors make a note of any Matters Arising or amendments. The Minutes will then be taken as read at the Meeting.

Flooding. It was reported that it is still flooding under the flyover bridge. The Clerk said that this item was included in the list of repairs, etc. sent to the Highways Department.

Gypsies. It was reported that work is underway at Kennington on the new gypsy site.

Rate Fixing Meeting. Mr Stevenson reported that there would be a 4% increase in rates for next year, 1989/90.

Date of Next Meeting confirmed for Monday, 3rd April, 1989 at 7 pm in the Village Hall. The Annual Parish Meeting to commence at 8 pm.

This past year has been a challenging year for local government as we face up to recent government legislation; under the 1988 Local Government Act, compulsory competitive tendering was introduced. We have already put three services out to tender, they are, refuse collection, office cleaning and catering. Several more services will go out to tender this year, e.g. ground maintenance, public convenience and street cleaning, we hope to retain these services 'in-house' provided we are competitive enough. We shall go out to tender in the early 1990's on professional services such as architecture, legal services and computing.

We are already changing the structure and workings of the Council to a more business-like footing by forming different sections into independent business units with each area responsible for their own day-to-day management. We District Council Members will have a more responsible role to play, rather like a Board of Directors seeing that the standard of services are maintained and looking into the overall strategy of the Council - we should then be able to become more cost-effective and give better value for money to our rate payers.

Next year the 'community charge' will come into effect, and this will alter the whole system of payment to the Council. The community charge will not be the same amount in every area, some councils will spend more and will therefore charge more, others will make great efforts to spend less and will therefore charge less. The electors who pay the bills will be able to judge whether they are getting value for money. Most adults over 18 years old will be liable for the charge, although students still in education will probably only have to pay 20% of the charge and people on low incomes can claim rebates.

We have had to increase our staff on the computer side in the Treasury department, together with a lot of additional computer equipment, to accommodate the changes that will take place in collecting the new charges from the old rating system. Another area where major changes will occur is in the housing field; as the new Housing Bill allows for council housing to be transferred to a Housing Association or to a Private Landlord and the tenants are very much involved as they have the right to vote 'for' or 'against' any such scheme. We have no proposals to transfer any of our stock at the moment but we will be keeping our tenants informed of the situation.

Planning still remains a contentious forum. We have recently finished a 7 week Public Inquiry into the proposed new town called Stone Bassett and we probably won't know the result of this inquiry until the autumn. The number of planning applications has increased enormously over the last year, we are handling approximately 3000 applications per year. We also have to handle the more contentious sites these days as the straightforward ones have already been developed. The planning department is very stretched in its staffing due to the competitive private sector and so we have introduced several new recruitment and retention packages for all levels of staff as there is a shortage of planners in this area of high employment.

Didcot is still maintaining its steady growth in development. We are building on average 450 houses per year and expect to continue until about the year 2000. By then the population could rise to about 25,000 and we will have increased the town with about 4000 houses. We are also strongly committed to an indoor swimming pool and are making negotiations with the developers for contributions from the expansion of the town.

We are having a fresh look at our tourism policy throughout the District. We recognise that expansion of such services can bring added employment to an area but we do appreciate that we must protect the peace and beauty of our lovely countryside and protect the Green Belt and Conservation areas.

I hope I have given you some idea of what the Council has been doing over the last year and what we intend to do over the next 12 months and more, in this summary.

ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING THE ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY, 15TH MAY, 1989 AT 7 PM IN THE VILLAGE HALL. DO PLEASE COME ALONG.

PARISH COUNCIL GARDEN BAGS Green bags for garden refuse are available from the Clerk, xx River View, at 45p each, this includes collection - just leave the bags out with your dustbin.

PARISH COUNCIL VILLAGE MAINTENANCE The Parish Council is still looking for help with the maintenance of the village (grass cutting etc.) Could you spare a small amount of your time to help? Tel. Mike Leary on Oxford xxxxxx.

PARISH SKIPS
THE NEXT SKIP WILL BE AT KILN PARK ARRIVING MID-WEEK 16TH MAY